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30 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Science 2017

Earning a graduate degree is an excellent way to increase your education and improve your career prospects. However, for many people, a traditional college experience is no longer a viable option because of financial, work, and/or family commitments.

Fortunately, there are now many distance learning programs from reputable, accredited universities where you can earn a master's degree at your own pace without having to move or resign from your current job.

The cost of higher education continues to rise, and student loan debt has reached epic proportions so we thought it would be helpful to create an affordability ranking of online master's programs in computer science from regionally accredited schools.

We chose universities with regional accreditation because it is the most reputable form of institutional accreditation. Regional accreditation is recognized by companies. Also, the credit hours earned from schools with this type of certification are accepted for transfer if you switch schools before you finish your degree.

To compare the programs, we estimated the total tuition of each program for an out-of-state student.

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is a state university located in Atlanta, Georgia. The school is classified as a doctoral university with highest research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Georgia Tech ranked 16th in Washington Monthly's 2016 rankings of national universities.

Online Program Overview

Through an alliance with Udacity and AT&T, Georgia Tech offers a low-cost online Master of Science in Computer Science. Since the program started in the spring semester of 2014, the school has received close to 8,000 applications and enrolled over 4,000 students from 80 countries.

Students can choose from four specializations: Computational Perception and Robotics, Computing Systems, Interactive Intelligence, and Machine Learning.

Georgia Tech was ranked 9th in U.S. News and World Report's 2014 rankings of graduate schools for computer science.

Msc in Computer Science Online

Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is a public university in Americus, Georgia. The school is part of the University System of Georgia. GSW's computer science department formed an advisory council that meets each semester to evaluate the department's programs based on industry needs.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Computer Science from GSW consists of 30 credit hours. Students take six core classes and four elective classes. Also, students can choose the thesis option, which accounts for six credit hours.

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Established in 1906, Georgia Southern University is a public research university in Statesboro, Georgia. The institution is categorized as a doctoral university with moderate research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Georgia Southern has an enrollment of 2,668 graduate students in the 2016-17 academic year.

Online Program Overview

Georgia Southern's online Master of Science in Computer Science is a 30 credit hour program that is typically completed in five semesters. The program offers two concentrations in high-demand fields: Data Mining and Data Warehousing.

To gain admission, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field like computer engineering, information systems, or software engineering.

Georgia Southern was rated 21st by U.S. News and World Report in its 2017 rankings of online graduate information technology programs.

Master of Science in Computer Science Online

Southern Arkansas University, or SAU, is a public university located in Magnolia, Arkansas. With unique degrees in cyber security, welding engineering, social entrepreneurship, computer game and animation design, and supply chain management, SAU is active in developing programs that match trends in the workplace.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Computer Science of SAU requires 30 semester hours to complete. The core coursework comprises 12 hours and covers programming, web technology, and database management. To finish the remaining 18 hours, students choose from 14 different elective courses including The UNIX Operating System and Software Engineering. Students may take four elective courses on security topics to earn a specialization in Cyber Security and Information Assurance.

Arkansas residents pay an estimated $8,370 in tuition, a discount of $4,050.

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Founded in 1881, Dakota State University (DSU) is a state university located in Madison, South Dakota. In U.S. News and World Report's 2017 rankings of regional universities in the Midwest, DSU placed 108th. The school ranked 32nd among public schools in the category.

Online Program Overview

DSU's online Master of Science in Computer Science focuses on using computer science in practical ways. To graduate, students must complete five core courses and five elective courses. The core curriculum includes classes about algorithms, the theory of computation, and operating systems.

Also, students have an option of earning a cyber operations specialization by taking five classes in the subject area instead of the elective coursework. The specialization is one of DSU's strengths as the school is recognized by the NSA as a leader in online security.

Master of Science in Applied Computer Science Online

Columbus State University (CSU) is a public university located in Columbus, Georgia. The school is a member of the University System of Georgia. In the category, Regional Universities South, CSU ranked 105th in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings. Among public schools in the category, CSU placed 46th.

Online Program Overview

CSU offers an online Master of Science in Applied Computer Science. The core curriculum consists of 12 credits, or four courses, about modeling, algorithms, object-oriented development, and information systems assurance

Students can choose from three concentrations: Assurance, Modeling and Simulation, and Software Development. Also, both thesis and non-thesis options are available for this program. 36 semester hours are required to graduate.

CSU is an approved institution of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. This organization provides distance education oversight for most of the states in the nation.

MSc in Computer Science Online

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public research university in Pensacola, Florida. The school is classified in the category, Doctoral Universities: Moderate Research Activity, by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UWF is part of the State University System of Florida.

Online Program Overview

UWF's online Master of Science in Computer Science is a 30 credit hour program with three specializations: Computer Science, Database Systems, and Software Engineering. In The Princeton Review’s 2017 college rankings, UWF is one of the best schools in the southeastern region of the United States.

For out-of-state online students, tuition waivers cover 90% of the non-resident portion of tuition. The exemptions must be renewed every semester by submitting a waiver request. The estimated tuition for Florida residents is $11,538, a savings of $2,827.

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

The University of Illinois at Springfield, or UIS, is public school located in Springfield, Illinois. In the fall semester of 2016, the university had an enrollment of 2,469 graduate students, which comprised 44% of its total enrollment. UIS is a member institution of the University of Illinois system.

Online Program Overview

For students who want to customize their graduate education, UIS offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science where students choose most of their courses. The program requires eight courses to graduate. Seven of those courses are electives.

The program's primary focus is the development of software programs. Also, students can enroll in classes about information assurance and security.

UIS placed 63rd in U.S. News and World Report's 2017 rankings of regional universities in the Midwest. Among public institutions in the group, UIS ranked 13th.

Master of Science in Applied Computer Science Online

The University of West Georgia (UWG) is a public university affiliated with the University System of Georgia. The school is classified as a doctoral university with moderate research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UWG placed 278th in Washington Monthly’s 2016 rankings of national universities.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Applied Computer Science of UWG teaches students about relevant subjects such as software development, network administration, and database systems. Also, the program includes two project-based courses where students apply what they learned in a team setting.

UWG ranked 37th in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings of online graduate information technology programs. The university was also named one of the best schools in the Southeast in the 2017 education rankings of The Princeton Review.

Online MSc in Computer Science

Capitol Technology University is a nonprofit, private institution in Laurel, Maryland. The school specializes in providing degree programs in business, computer science, engineering, and information technology. Capitol’s online graduate courses are offered in short eight-week terms throughout the year.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Computer Science from Capitol is a 10-course program with specialization options in Data Science and Software Engineering. Core classes include Object Oriented Programming, Data Structures, and Multithreaded and Distributed Programming.

Capitol’s online graduate degree programs are delivered through live courses on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Online students can ask the professor questions during the class.

Capitol was designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in the fields of cyber defense and information assurance by the NSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Master of Science in Computer Science Online

Old Dominion University, or ODU, is a public, research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. The school is categorized as a doctoral university with higher research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. ODU has conferred more than 11,000 degrees through its distance learning programs.

Online Program Overview

ODU offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science with three options for completion: courses only, project, and thesis. The program emphasizes cyber security with five of the courses covering security topics.

According to U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 education rankings, ODU ranked 210th among national universities. The Princeton Review named ODU one of the top schools in the Southeast in its 2017 school rankings.

Virginia residents receive a discount on tuition. They pay an estimated $16,932, a savings of $1,292.

Online MSc in Computer Science

Located in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMassD) is a public, research institution. The university is classified in the category, Doctoral Universities: Higher Research Activity, by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UMassD placed 158th in the 2016 national university rankings of Washington Monthly.

Online Program Overview

UMassD’s online Master of Science in Computer Science emphasizes the development of software as a core objective. Students can take courses about paradigmatic software development, software systems design, and machine learning. For students with bachelor’s degrees outside the field of computer science, UMassD offers a one-year online preparatory program of four classes to learn the fundamentals of computer science.

In the 2017 rankings of national universities by U.S. News and World Report, UMassD tied for 220th place. Among public universities in the category, UMassD ranked 125th.

MSc in Computer Science Online

The University of Louisville, or UofL, is a public research university located in Louisville, Kentucky. The school is classified as a doctoral university with highest research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UofL offers nine different master’s degrees online.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Computer Science from UofL is a reputable program according to U.S. News and World Report. The school was rated 25th in the publisher’s 2017 rankings of online graduate programs in information technology. Students in the program learn about computer networks, artificial intelligence, and Internet applications.

UofL is one of the top 381 schools in the nation according to The Princeton Review’s 2017 education rankings. The university placed 172nd in Washington Monthly’s 2016 rankings of national universities.

Master of Science in Computer Science Online

Established in 1971, National University is a private, nonprofit school with campuses throughout California. The university’s programs are designed for adult students. National offers over 70 degrees online, and it placed 33rd in Washington Monthly’s 2016 rankings of four-year colleges for adult learners.

Online Program Overview

National University offers an online Master of Science in Computer Science with three specializations to choose from Advanced Computing, Database Engineering, and Software Engineering. Core coursework includes classes about software architecture, database design, and cloud computing. Also, students build an original project using software development concepts. 67.5 quarter units are required to graduate.

To gain admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Applicants without this degree can fulfill the requirement by taking prerequisite courses or passing a challenge exam.

Online MSc in Computer Science

As the flagship university of the Colorado State University System, Colorado State University provides research in various fields and over 200 degree programs. The school is classified in the category, Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity, by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Online Program Overview

In the online Master of Computer Science program at Colorado State, students can take courses in parallel programming, distributed systems, and advanced networking. The program is self-paced and can be finished in two years. 35 credit hours are required to graduate, 20 of which must be comprised of 500-level courses or above.

Colorado State tied for 30th in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings of online graduate programs in information technology. Also, the University made The Princeton Review’s 2017 list of The Best 381 Colleges.

Master of Science in Computer Science Online

The University of Michigan - Flint (UM-Flint) is a public institution in Flint, Michigan. The University is one of the two satellite campuses of University of Michigan. UM-Flint is one of the best schools in the Midwest according to the 2017 school rankings by The Princeton Review.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems from UM-Flint emphasizes building projects with other students. This team-based approach to learning prepares students to make a significant impact in the workplace as a team member and leader.

UM-Flint tied for 108th in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings of regional universities in the Midwest. Among public schools in the group, UM-Flint tied for 32nd.

The estimated tuition for Michigan residents is $16,598, a savings of $8,272.

Online MSc in Computer Science

Lewis University is a private Roman Catholic institution located in Romeoville, Illinois. The Princeton Review named Lewis one of the best Midwestern schools in its 2017 rankings of higher education. The University was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA.

Online Program Overview

Lewis’s online Master of Science in Computer Science is a 32 credit hour program with three optional concentrations: Cyber Security, Intelligent Systems, and Software Engineering. Core topics include statistical programming, object-oriented design, and digital forensics. The program culminates with a capstone course where students conduct research or build a project.

In U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 education rankings, Lewis was named a top 25 school in the category, Regional Universities Midwest. Also, the university was recognized as a Best Value School in the category.

MSc in Computer Science Online

East Carolina University, or ECU, is a public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina. The school is categorized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a doctoral university with higher research activity. ECU placed 117th in Washington Monthly’s 2016 rankings of national universities.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Computer Science from ECU teaches students both the theory and practical application of software development and hardware construction.

ECU tied for 210th in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings of national universities. Among public schools in the group, ECU placed 118th. The University was named one of the best Southeastern schools in The Princeton Review’s 2017 education rankings.

North Carolina residents pay an estimated $7,341 for tuition, a substantial discount of $18,958.

Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Nova Southeastern University is a nonprofit private institution located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The university is classified as a doctoral university with higher research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Nova placed 287th in the 2016 rankings of national universities by Washington Monthly.

Master of Science in Computer Science Online

Franklin University is a nonprofit private school in Columbus, Ohio. The University emphasizes serving adult learners with degree programs that meet their unique education needs. The average student in Franklin’s program is in their early 30s, and all of the school’s degrees are available online.

Online Program Overview

Franklin’s online Master of Science in Computer Science teaches students about system architecture, project management for information systems, and testing. Also, students learn about designing databases by using Oracle and SQL Server. The curriculum of the program is regularly reviewed by a board of advisors, many of which are employed by Fortune 500 companies. 40 semester hours are required for graduation.

The GMAT and GRE are not required for admission for applicants with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree and a GPA above 2.75.

With over 1,200 faculty members and an enrollment of 28,290 students in the 2016-17 academic year, Auburn University is a public flagship university in Alabama. The school is classified in the category, Doctoral Universities: Higher Research Activity, by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Software Engineering in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Auburn is a non-thesis program that requires completion of a research project. Students can enroll in courses such as Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, Software Process, and High-Speed Networks.

In the category of national universities, Auburn placed 99th and 139th in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings and Washington Monthly’s 2016 rankings, respectively. U.S. News also rated Auburn as a top 30 school in its list of best online graduate programs in information technology.

Master of Science in Computer Science Online

Colorado Technical University, or CTU, is a for-profit institution with campus locations in Colorado Springs and Aurora, Colorado. Also, the school offers over 110 degree programs online. CTU has an award-winning mobile app that enables students to make progress on their degrees with their smartphones.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Computer Science of CTU consists of 48 quarter hours. 24 hours are core courses, 20 hours are concentration courses, and the program culminates in a four-hour capstone course. Core courses include Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Computer Systems Security Foundations, and Systems Engineering Methods. Students can choose from four concentrations: Software Engineering, Data Science, Database Systems, and Computer Systems Security.

CTU tied for 38th in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings of online graduate information technology programs.

Online Master of Computer Science

North Carolina State University, or NC State, is a member institution of the University of North Carolina system. The school is classified in the category, Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity, by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. NC State offers over 30 master’s degrees online.

NC State is a top school in the nation according to The Princeton Review’s book, The Best 381 Colleges: 2017 Edition. Also, the University placed sixth in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings of online graduate programs in information technology.

North Carolina residents get a significant discount on tuition. They pay an estimated $12,768 and save $18,476.

Online MSc in Computer and Information Science

The University of Michigan – Dearborn, or UM-Dearborn, is a public university and a satellite campus of University of Michigan. UM-Dearborn offers 19 online master’s degrees designed for working adults. The school was ranked 56th in the category, National Universities - Masters, of Washington Monthly’s 2016 school rankings.

Online Program Overview

UM-Dearborn provides an online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science with project and thesis options. Students can take classes on mobile technologies, network security, and compiler design.

According to the 2017 school rankings by U.S. News and World Report, UM-Dearborn is one of the top public regional universities in the Midwest. The school tied for sixth in that category of universities.

Michigan residents get a discount on tuition. Their estimated tuition is $27,572, a savings of $3,848.

Master of Science in Computer Science Online

Founded in 1927, the University of Bridgeport (UB) is a private institution that is not affiliated with a religious group. The school’s graduate students make up 49% of the student body. Total enrollment was 5,658 for the 2016-17 academic year.

Online Program Overview

UB’s online Master of Science in Computer Science is one of the top online programs in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. The publisher gave the school a 32nd ranking for the category, Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs.

Students learn about object-oriented programming with C++, a popular programming language in the workplace. Also, students can take elective courses on relevant topics including smartphone app development, data mining, Web-based application development, and network security.

Master of Computer Science Online

The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, also known as Illinois, is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system. The university is classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in the category, Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity.

Online Program Overview

Illinois’s online Master of Computer Science is a non-research, non-thesis program that requires 32 semester hours to complete. The program has a breadth requirement where students must complete four courses, each in a different subject area. Students can learn about artificial intelligence, graphics, and scientific computing.

Illinois placed fifth in U.S. News and World Report’s 2014 rankings of graduate computer science programs. Also, the university was included in The Princeton Review’s 2017 lists of The Best 381 Colleges, Best Midwestern Colleges, and Colleges That Pay You Back.

MSc in Computer Science Online

Purdue University is a public university with a major focus in research. The school is classified in the category, Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity, by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Purdue placed 45th in the 2016 rankings of Washington Monthly for national universities.

Online Program Overview

Purdue’s online Master of Science in Computer Science is a non-thesis program where students can take courses in distributed systems, information security, and other relevant subjects.

Purdue is considered one of the top schools in the nation by The Princeton Review’s 2017 school rankings. Also, the university was rated 9th in the category, Most Innovative Schools - National Universities, in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 education rankings.

Indiana residents get a tuition discount. They pay an estimated tuition of $32,540, a savings of $3,400.

Online MSc in Computer Science

Located 25 miles east of New York City in Hempstead, Long Island, Hofstra University is a nonprofit private institution with moderate research activity according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university placed 297th in the 2017 national university rankings of Washington Monthly.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Computer Science from Hofstra consists of 30 semester hours. The core curriculum covers algorithm design, programming language concepts, and advanced operating systems design. To finish the degree, students can choose between completing a thesis or a comprehensive project.

Hofstra was named one of the best schools in The Princeton Review’s book, The Best 381 Colleges: 2017 Edition. The University tied for 133rd in the 2017 rankings of national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

Master of Science in Advancing Computer Science Online

The University of Advancing Technology, or UAT, is a private for-profit school with a focus on delivering higher education and research in technological subject areas. The university offers degrees in exciting fields such as virtual reality, artificial life programming, and human-computer interaction.

Online Program Overview

The online Master of Science in Advancing Computer Science from UAT is a 36 semester credit program where students learn about project management, frameworks, application testing, software architecture, and mobile development. Students also complete an advanced programming project or an internship at the end of the program. The program is designed to be completed in six semesters. A thesis is not required to graduate.

MSc in Computer Science Online

Missouri University of Science and Technology, or Missouri S&T, is a public university and a member of the University of Missouri System. The school is categorized as a doctoral university with higher research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Online Program Overview

Missouri S&T’s online Master of Science in Computer Science is a 31 credit hour program with thesis and non-thesis options. Students can specialize in critical infrastructure protection or software engineering.

The Princeton Review rated Missouri S&T favorably by including the university in its 2017 lists of The Best 381 Colleges, Colleges That Pay You Back, and Best Schools for Internships. Also, Missouri S&T received a stellar sixth place ranking in U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings of online graduate programs in information technology.